NO NEW LEASING in the GULF OF MEXICO!

“We must undertake the struggle in all parts of the world, wherever we may be, because we have no other spare or replacement planet. We have only this one, and we have to take action,” -Berta Caceres

Berta Caceres stands at the Gualcarque River in the Rio Blanco region of western Honduras. -www.goldmanprize.org

In the wake of the assassination of longtime Honduran Land Defender Berta Caceres, recipient of the Goldman Environmental Price Award, we take a moment to remember and honor her memory. One way to do so, is to take some time to reflect on the great strength and passion she carried with her for our Great Mother Earth.

It is with this unfortunate turn of events that only reinforces the many reasons we fight for our communities and the future generations to come, while commemorating all the fallen warriors who now fight in spirit.

On March 23rd, the Obama administration is holding a fossil fuel auction in the New Orleans Superdome, where they’ll be selling off 45 million acres of public waters for offshore drilling.

A coalition of groups in the Gulf South and national partners will mobilize on the 23rd, calling for a future powered by solar and wind energy, a phase out of fossil fuels, and an immediate hiring of at least 1,000 workers to repair aging oil industry infrastructure in the Gulf.

Climate change is hitting the Gulf hard already. The region is losing a football field of land every hour and at least 40 locations in the Gulf have already been removed from our coastline map forever. Scientists agree that if we’re going to curb the worst effects, we need to stop digging up and burning fossil fuels including nearly all fossil fuels on public lands.

A host of organizations in the Gulf South are planning a mobilization for the 23rd, calling for an end to new drilling leases in the Gulf.Think you can join us?

Here are the details:WHAT : No New Leases: Surround the Superdome. A rally and action calling for an end to new drilling in the Gulf.WHEN : Wednesday, March 23rd. 8 AM.WHERE : Louisiana Superdome, 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

We are Gulf Coast organizers, land defenders, environmentalists, community people, parents, students and citizens of this Earth. It is time that we stand together to unify our messages in the attempt to fight for our vulnerable communities and defend our right to do what it takes to bring this message. JOIN US and stand in solidarity for all those who won’t be able to do it themselves.

“Back in the day, when a warrior would prepare for battle, they would take the time to connect to source, to prepare their body, mind, and spirit, to sing of gratitude, respect, and joy. Today’s battles are no different, and you are a continuation of their songs. Please do take the time to connect with all that has come before you, with that part of you that is the source of why you do this, and to feel that blood in your veins. It is how we will win, it is how we have already won.”